7 Ways to Wear All Black This Summer Without Looking Boring

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Published Jun 11, 2019

Christian Dior said it best when he gushed about our all-time favorite color: “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion.” And just because the temperatures are rising doesn’t mean we’ll be giving up our all-black-everything way of dressing anytime soon. Leave bright colors to the flowers and let these seven style mavens show you how to wear the darkest shade throughout the warmest months.

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Opt For Breathable Materials

First things first: Make sure whatever you wear has some ventilation. Lucky for you, sheer fabrics are hugely trendy right now (and some of them have magical cooling and sweat-wicking powers).

Get the look: Lulus ($46); City Chic ($89); Amanda Uprichard ($185); Velvet by Graham & Spencer ($198)

woman wearing a long sleeve tee and silk skirt

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Stick To The Basics

Don't let preconceived notions of colorful summer dressing intimidate you. A black tee and flowy slip skirt work just as well as the floral version.

Get the look: J.Crew top ($33); Universal Standard top ($40); ASOS skirt ($45); Leith skirt ($49); Babaton top ($45); Silk Laundry skirt ($122)

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Go For Comfort

We're fully obsessed with über-comfortable boilersuits. Wear yours with easy flats and '70s-inspired sunnies for day, then throw on a pair of sleek, heeled sandals for drinks with friends.

Get the look: Neon Rose ($60); Chelsea28 ($89); L'Academie ($129); Joie ($248); RE/DONE ($495)

woman wearing a black t shirt and mini skirt

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Mix Up The Silhouettes

Yes, you’ll want to skimp on fabric in the heat (hello, miniskirt), but don’t go overboard with a tiny bottom and a tiny top. Pair smaller pieces with something looser, like an oversize T-shirt. Keep the coverage going with a pair of closed-toe booties.

Get the look: Missguided skirt ($37); LA Pop Art T-shirt ($38); BCBG Max Azria ($188); Marcus Lupfer T-shirt ($250)

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Play With Texture And Detail

Feeling bored? Spice up a monochromatic palette by giving your outfit an element of surprise. A trendy fishnet knit or wide-leg pants with unexpected slits up the front or sides should do the trick.

Get the look: Superdown top ($42); Hanky Panky top ($49); Jonathan Simkhai pants ($487); Yigal Azrouel pants ($590)

woman wearing all black carrying a floral handbag

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Let Your Accessories Steal The Spotlight

When you're wearing a relatively simple outfit, a statement accessory is a must—like some sexy lace-up heels or an intricately painted handbag.

Get the look: Journee heels ($40); DKNY bag ($248); Joie heels ($298); IRO heels ($410); Alexander McQueen bag ($2,305)

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When In Doubt, Don’t Overdo It

Remember: A simple black dress looks casual and cool when you keep all other elements simple. Thin-strapped sandals, an easy crossbody and maybe a cozy cardigan (for those overly air-conditioned spaces) are the only accessories you really need.

Get the look: Old Navy sandals ($25); Vero Moda Curve dress ($29); Eloquii cardigan ($30); Banana Republic cardigan ($55); Tommy Bahama dress ($145); ATP Atelier sandals ($195)